DT’s good friend and SpouseBUZZ founder Andi forwarded an “opportunity” currently posted at DoD Tech Match with the following objective:
“To develop a highly interactive PC or web-based application to allow family members to verbally interact with virtual renditions of deployed Service Members.”
The opportunity frames the challenge to killer app designers with the notion that “the stresses of deployment might be softened if spouses and especially children could conduct simple conversations with their loved ones in immediate times of stress or prolonged absence.” It goes on to suggest that traditionally “families have derived comfort and support from photographs or mementos, but current technology should allow for more personal interactive messages of support” and that “computer-based applications would resonate with children and capture their interest and imagination.”
Cool idea, no doubt. But … and maybe this is the novelist in me coming out … right away I start thinking about the unintended consequences of this technology. What happens, for instance, during the reintegration process (the period immediately following the servicemember’s return from deployment) when the child realizes that the vitual servicemember was a lot nicer that the real deal?
Paging Dr. Freud …
(Star Wars image courtesy of 20th Century Fox)
– Ward
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The most relevant problem that this technology would have the potential to alleviate is infidelity; anything else would be secondary.
If this is an internet based web application, I’m confused as to why a webcam and standard chat software isn’t good enough. Why does it have to be a virtual person? Wouldn’t talking to the real deal be better?
Maybe a novelist, or at least a child psychologist, has a better perspective on this sort of thing than an overzealous AI researcher, or a procurement geek.
IMHO, this might be better developed by the private sector — either customer service software, or maybe a Tivo enhancement, to show you programmed video footage of someone you miss. That might be a good way of delivering a 21st century Kodak moment.
If it proves out in the marketplace, maybe DoD can carry it at the PX. I’m not too sure military families should be the guinea pigs for the beta test.
One problem with AI software and human simulacra is the “uncanny valley” — the theory, and perception, that the more we make simulations of humans more human, the more artificial and/or creepy they seem. Whether it’s Max Headroom or video game characters, artificial humans always seem a little off.
I’m not too sure the “uncanny valley” is a salve for the strains of deployment, much less to a combat zone. IMHO, it’s especially unwise to foist this off on small children. “Daddy can’t talk to you right now, muffin — he’s outside the wire.”
That’s my tax dollars at work? No, thank you. How about we let Blue Cross, B of A, or Sony work out the kinks in this sh*t, first?